Notre Dame Beware...Big Game Bob, Might Be Burned Out

Sometimes the view from the stands can be pretty insightful. This correspondent sat with the Sooner Nation at the inaugural game against BYU at the stunning new Cowboys' Stadium in Dallas this past September.

It's always FUN to work the crowd in that type of a setting. This writer had no clear favorite as to which team to cheer for, he just wanted to experience the stadium and see a good ball game.

After meeting a few O.U. fans, the following question was invariably asked:

"What do you think of Head Coach Bob Stoops?".

The question was asked with the thought that Oklahoma had gotten spanked in some high profile Bowl games in the recent past. Was the Stoops' magic starting to wear thin with the O.U. crowd?

The fans enthusiastically supported their leader...Bob Stoops owns Oklahoma. The fans worship the ground on which he walks. Many felt Coach Stoops represents the best in college football; they like his life story, his family and they love his devotion to the Sooner Nation; they find him to be almost without fault.

A few fans were quick to point out, however if the Sooners stumble again, many would love to have Mike Stoops replace his brother. The Arizona Wildcats have had a nice turn-around under the guidance of the younger Stoops' brother.

When Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford went down with his initial shoulder injury, it seemed like the air was let out of the Oklahoma crowd. When BYU ultimately prevailed, ruining the Sooners' chances for another National Championship, a detectable depression set in. Oklahoma has gone on to have a mediocre season in 2009.

The rumor mill at Notre Dame is now in a full performance mode. Bob Stoops' name is mentioned as the #1 choice amongst many Irish supporters.

Hold on Notre Dame, don't make the same mistake you've made in the past. Bob Stoops has been to the top of the mountain, take a close look at him.

Can he muster the effort to start all over in a new environment?

Is he still motivated to push himself to new heights?

Why would he take the career risk and pressure that comes with the Notre Dame job?